Mapping nonlinear gravity into General Relativity with nonlinear electrodynamics.

We show that families of nonlinear gravity theories formulated in a metric-affine approach and coupled to a nonlinear theory of electrodynamics can be mapped into general relativity (GR) coupled to another nonlinear theory of electrodynamics. This allows to generate solutions of the former from those of the latter using purely algebraic transformations. This correspondence is explicitly illustrated with the Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld theory of gravity, for which we consider a family of nonlinear electrodynamics and show that, under the map, preserve their algebraic structure.

[Switch from Darbepoetin-alpha to Epoetin-alpha: cost and efficacy comparison for haemodialytic patients over one year follow-up in a single centre].

Due to the increased emphasis on cost-containment, drugs must be proven not only to be safe and effective, but also to reduce costs, prior to be used in clinical practice. In the context of this saving policy, 12 clinically stable patients on hemodialysis who were administered darbepoetin-alpha (Aranesp (DARB) for at least 16 months in single weekly doses, were converted to EPO-alpha, administered 2-3 times per week. The initial dose of EPO-alpha was calculated on the basis of a dose-conversion ratio (DCR) of 200 IU EPO-alpha = 1 mcg DARB.

The self-locating catheter: clinical experience and follow-up.

Background: The self-locating catheter invented by Nicola Di Paolo has been used increasingly in Italy and elsewhere since 1994, with about a thousand patients currently implanted every year. Twelve grams of tungsten inserted into the tip of the conventional Tenckhoff catheter during extrusion does not significantly change its form, but suffices to keep the tip firmly in the Douglas cavity.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to confirm our preliminary results in a large population of peritoneal dialysis patients.

Low concentrations of glucose degradation products in peritoneal dialysis fluids and their impact on biocompatibility parameters: prospective cross-over study with a three-compartment bag.

The side effects of glucose degradation products (GDPs) in conventional peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluids are well described. Using the three-compartment bag concept--that is, in situ preparation of concentrated glucose solution into a standard ionic solution--a GDP-free solution can be processed. To investigate the possible impact of this product on biological and clinical parameters, we carried out a prospective cross-over study with 31 patients, comparing the short-term effects of conventional PD and GDP-free PD solutions.